Entry Criteria

For most of our programmes we require a 2:1 degree in any discipline. For a small number our requirements differ slightly. Please see our individual graduate programme pages.

To be eligible to apply for most of our Summer Internships you must be in your penultimate year at University. The reason for this - if you have a successful Internship, there may be an opportunity for you to be offered a place on our Graduate programme the following year.

I have studied at a non-UK University and my degree is classified differently, what should I do?

As long as your degree is the equivalent of a 2.1 this is fine. Please fill in the application form as normal, outlining your qualifications as stated on your certificate.

I graduated a few years ago - can I still apply?

As long as your degree is the equivalent of a 2.1 this is fine. Please fill in the application form as normal, outlining your qualifications as stated on your certificate.

I don't think my degree is relevant to the programme I am applying to. Will this affect my chances?

No. For most of our programmes we do not require a specific degree discipline. We are looking for an interest in Standard Life and the programme you are applying to as well as a variety of behavioural attributes. These include the motivation to succeed, the ability to make decisions and the talent to work with a variety of different individuals to achieve a result.

We look at applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's important to apply early as our vacancies fill quickly. Once they are filled, we will close the applications.

Application Process

Can I apply for more than one of the graduate or internship programmes?

We recommend that you apply for only one of our programmes in the recruitment cycle that runs from September each year. If you want to apply for more than one, please contact us.

I have applied before. Can I apply again?

If you've applied to Standard Life for a graduate position in the last two years and have been through a final-stage assessment centre, we may not be able to process a second application from you. If you fall into this category, it's very important that you contact the graduate recruitment team before you re-apply.

Do you sponsor students through university?

Not at the moment.

Is there a closing date?

Please check the information for the programme or internship you are applying for, our vacancies launch in September for the following year. Internships start in June and the graduate programmes start in September.

We look at applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's important to apply early as our vacancies fill quickly. Once they are filled, we will close the applications.

When will I hear about the progress of my application?

You'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 24 hours of submission. We aim to inform you within a month of your application whether or not you're through to the next stage.

What should I do if I am having technical problems with my online tests?

We would recommend applicants take the time to complete a few practice tests before undertaking the actual test. Getting familiar with the types of questions and timing of the tests will help you feel more relaxed in the real test situation, and give you a better opportunity to show your true ability. Please check out Cut-e Assessments' Practice Site.

Do I have to pay for my travel or accommodation to an assessment centre?

If we have invited you to attend a selection event we will contribute to your travel and accommodation. Once you reach this stage, we will tell you what the arrangements are.

What can I expect at an assessment centre?

For all graduate programmes, our assessment centres include a competency based interview, a case-study exercise and some group work and last a full day, until around 4pm. We also ask you to be available the afternoon and evening before the assessment centre so that you can join us to hear more about the programme you have applied for and meet some of our current graduates.

Will I receive feedback?

Feedback is available for candidates attending assessment centre.

General

Where are your positions based?

Most of our graduate positions are based at our headquarters in Edinburgh. We also have a small number of opportunities in Asia.

When do graduate programmes and internships start?

Our graduate programmes start in September of each year. Our internships start in June.

Yes. We class anyone living more than 35 miles away as being eligible for relocation. For internships, this means we would support you to find shared accommodation for the duration of the internship. For those of you starting a graduate programme, we would support shared accommodation and pay our rent for up to the first 4 weeks of your employment. Other than that, there is plenty of help and advice available to help you settle in here.

What development/support do you offer?

All of our graduates have a variety of opportunities open to them to support their development. This includes support to successfully complete professional qualifications specific to their programme, as well as core development modules available for all graduates. In addition graduates have a buddy and a mentor to work with them throughout their programme.

What happens at the end of the graduate programme/internship?

At the end of your internship, we will make a decision as to whether to offer you a place on a graduate programme for the following year. At the end of your graduate programme, we will support you to seek and apply for a suitable permanent role. This will be in line with the business area and your development aspirations.

Entry Criteria

What are your entry requirements?

Edinburgh Guarantee Traineeship

Our Edinburgh Guarantee School Leaver Trainee programme is aimed at people between the ages of 16 – 21 and there are no minimum qualifications or experience required – we do however expect you to have lots of enthusiasm and be able to demonstrate an ability to learn and work hard!

Investment 2020 Traineeship

Our Investment 2020 Trainee Programme is aimed at people who have left school, recently graduated from college or university, or looking for a career change. The minimum qualifications required are 2 Highers/A ‘Levels.

Application Process

I have applied before. Can I apply again?

If you've applied to Standard Life for a traineeship position in the last 12 months and have been through a final-stage assessment centre, we may not be able to process a second application from you. If you fall into this category, it's very important that you contact the recruitment team before you re-apply.

Is there a closing date?

Please check the information for the programme website page/advert for specific closing dates. Our vacancies launch in May and Traineeships start in August.

When will I hear about the progress of my application?

You'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 24 hours of submission. We aim to inform you within a week of your application whether or not you're through to the next stage.

What should I do if I am having technical problems?

Please contact us on 0131 245 1000.

What can I expect at an assessment centre?

Our assessment centres include a values based interview and a group exercise and last approximately 2-3 hours.

Will I receive feedback?

Feedback is available for candidates attending assessment centre.

General

Where are your positions based?

Our traineeship positions are based at our headquarters in Edinburgh and we occasionally have opportunities in our London office.

When does the Traineeship start?

Our next cohort of Edinburgh Guarantee and Investment 2020 Trainees will start in August.

All of our Trainees have a variety of opportunities open to them to support their development. This may include training courses as well as core development modules available for all Trainees. In addition Trainees have a mentor to work with them throughout their programme.

What happens at the end of the traineeship?

At the end of your traineeship, you will either leave the Company or depending on your development and careers aspirations, we will support you to explore further opportunities within Standard Life/Standard Life Investments.